Sickle Cell Anaemia

Examines sickle cell anemia from both a human and a scientific perspective, indicating that over 2 1/2 million African Americans either have the disease or carry the trait in their genes. Stresses the importance of educating the black community about sickle cell anaemia by focusing on the Williamses who, unaware they were carriers, had six children--three of whom are severely afflicted with the disease. Uses microphotography to show red blood cells changing into sickle cells and to also show how they clog the veins. Illustrates, through animation, how blood samples are analyzed and how the normal red blood cells look compared to sickle cells., Examines sickle cell anemia from both a human and a scientific perspective, indicating that over 2 1/2 million African Americans either have the disease or carry the trait in their genes. Stresses the importance of educating the black community about sickle cell anaemia by focusing on the Williamses who, unaware they were carriers, had six children--three of whom are severely afflicted with the disease. Uses microphotography to show red blood cells changing into sickle cells and to also show how they clog the veins. Illustrates, through animation, how blood samples are analyzed and how the normal red blood cells look compared to sickle cells.